Group Supply Chain Analyst jobs
Any business needs to constantly be on the lookout for inefficiencies and better ways to do things in the future, but in supply chain the costs of inefficiency can be massive. Unnecessary transportation, warehousing and waste can add millions to the costs of a large company or group, but the danger is that such costs can go unnoticed or can be relics of old ways of doing things that were never updated.
The group supply chain analyst will be in charge of gathering and using data within a business group and looking for areas where savings can be made, whilst all the time remaining alert to potential impacts on customer satisfaction. Chasing down inefficiencies in a supply chain can sometimes feel like squeezing air out of an inflatable bed – squeezing here can make a bulge there – so the analyst will have to be mindful that they are dealing with a whole system, not just a series of parts. If might sometimes be beneficial to leave superficial inefficiencies in place if they benefit the entire chain.
Often, the group supply chain analyst will not have executive powers and will be part of a team of analysts, perhaps working under a materials, planning and logistics (M, P & L) manager. In such cases the analyst will need to be focused on improving and maintaining service in a small section of the chain while those senior to him or her make the business decisions.
The skills required
The group supply chain analyst will need to be an expert at both looking at the big picture (i.e. the whole supply chain) and analysing the micro data (e.g. fuel usage on a particular journey, warehousing costs etc.). They will need to eat, drink and sleep statistics and will have an excellent grasp of mathematics.
A thorough understanding of the supply chain and logistics industries will be a distinct advantage, and experience of related industries, such as procurement or retail, will certainly do the applicant no harm.
Gathering and manipulating data will be the nuts and bolts of the job, but ultimately the data and any conclusions will need to be presented in a clear and concise manner, be it verbally, through presentations or digitally. It will therefore be vital that the group supply chain analyst will be a great communicator who is equally comfortable dealing with fellow employees and senior and middle management.
Group Supply Chain Analyst Jobs in St Albans
St Albans is a historic city separated from the north London conurbation by about 6 miles of countryside. The city has had a presence for thousands of years, but it was the construction if its cathedral in the Middle Ages that brought the town to prominence (although it wasn’t formally completed until the nineteenth century). St Albans is supposed to be named after the first British Christian martyr, who was executed by the Romans.
The modern city is what estate agents would describe as full of character. It takes in architecture of many periods, although much of it is twentieth century detached or semi-detached housing or Victorian terrace. The city is served by two railway lines that carry passengers right into the heart of London (one via Watford Junction), and the town is nestles in a U-shape formed by the M1, M25 and A1(M). This ease of travel and the general pleasantness of the city has made it a highly attractive with commuters, and house prices have been kept high because of the demand.
Although many of the inhabitants pack themselves onto trains and head for London every working day, St Albans, with its economically active population, has quite an advanced infrastructure to maintain, which is why it is not unusual for Group Supply Chain Analyst positions to become available either in the city itself or in nearby Watford, Luton or Hemel Hempstead.
Popular locations
Cast UK’s supply chain opportunities
Cast UK’s founder members and consultants all come from the logistics, procurement and supply chain sectors, so we know what employers and candidates are looking for in their staff and careers respectively. Cast UK is a growing force in the UK recruitment industry, mainly because these are the only sectors we deal with. That means that many employers often come to us first to create a candidate shortlist because they know we’re tightly focused on delivering the best people to them.
Applicants approach Cast UK for many reasons, whether seeking more job fulfilment or simply relocating for personal reasons, so it’s good to know that we always have the complete range of positions available nationwide. Please see what’s available in your region and if you’ve seen something you’re interested in, do get in touch – whether it’s today or tomorrow, we might have the ideal position for you.
To find out more about how Cast UK can help you recruit a Group Supply Chain Analyst for your business or find you a job as a Group Supply Chain Analyst then contact one of our consultant team on 0333 121 3345.
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